Page 21 of Ky
A slow, knowing smile transforms Zoe’s pretty face. “Oh my god, you didn’t?”
“Can we not do this right now?” I demand, and it’s all I can do not to fan my face, my cheeks were hot, like they were burning up.
“You slept with Ky?” Lexie asks, crossing her arms, a frown furrowing her brow, her lips pressed into a thin line, and I want to tell her it was none of her damn business. But things were awkward enough as it is. I would have to leave the group if I got into it with her, and I didn’t want to do that.
Lowering my face in my hands, embarrassment heats my cheeks.
“Please, just stop.” I groan, finally lifting my head to look at the women. “There’s nothing between us. Not anymore anyway,” I add, without thinking. I watch as all sets of eyes go wide, Zoe’s and Everleigh’s soft and understanding, while Lexie’s silver-gray eyes are hard and unyielding. I force myself not to shrink back at her stare, pushing my shoulders back, I try to sit taller, not breaking eye contact with her. What’s her deal, anyway? Does she have the hots for Ky or something?
“Now youhaveto come with us,” Zoe demands, almost bouncing on her bar stool.
“Plus,” Everleigh cuts in, “my daughter Lily will also be there, and I’d like to introduce you to her; she doesn’t know many people here. She’s coming home from school, and hopefully will be staying for good this time since her studies are ending. I’ve missed her so much,” Everleigh speaks with all the love a mother has in her heart for her child. I can’t help the genuine smile that curves my lips. Because I can certainly relate.
“Ky will be there. Since he’s not seeing the doctor anymore, he’s been spending lots of time at the clubhouse,”
Zoe says, almost gleefully, and it makes me wonder why she’s so happy over that bit of news. Even though I’d already heardthey weren’t seeing each other, I refuse to acknowledge the butterflies that take flight at knowing that. At least I didn’t sleep with a guy who was seeing someone else. That would have been the worst thing I could’ve done.
I groan again, leaning my head on the granite island. I can feel myself softening, and I was on the verge of agreeing. But just forgetting the way he left me this morning ratchets up my anger, and I don’t want there to be a confrontation between us at the clubhouse. I’m sick of the drama.
I should just cut my losses before things got serious.
Oh, who was I kidding, things have been serious on my part where he was concerned for a very long time.
There was also the no condom thing, something I’d completely forgotten about in my anger with him treating me like I was nothing. I make a mental note to stop off at the pharmacy to pick up the morning-after pill. Having one child as a single mother is hard enough, but having two would be madness.
Shaking my head, I lift my hand to stop Zoe in her tracks. I take a deep, calming breath.
“Why do you want me to be there so badly?” I ask, confused.
In my teenage years, my group of friends was small, being drawn to me mostly because of Angelo, a man no one knew the true essence of, except for me.
The evil that lurked beneath the handsome exterior.
Experiencing a friendship that was founded on genuine honesty, as opposed to being fake, was a novelty for me. Something I found hard getting used to.
“Because, believe it or not, you’re one of my closest friends; besides Everleigh, Lexie, and the other girls of the club. I like you, and I would love it if you were part of that circle, too.”
A warmth I hadn’t felt since Amelia works its way through to my heart, then an immediate sadness over my best friend being gone follows. Dare I allow myself to be happy again? Tosurround myself with women who are the salt of the earth, beautiful, and actually want to spend time with me. Bar one, if Lexie’s death stares were anything to go by.
“Fine, I’ll come. If only to shut you all up.” I reply.
I silently communicate to Zoe to keep her trap shut, but of course, she doesn’t listen. Shrugging, she says, “Great, since he’s not with the doc anymore, maybe you two can finally get together. You’ve been dancing around each other a long time now.” She winks at me, and I shake my head.
Kill me now.
“Zoe, leave the poor girl alone,” Everleigh warns.
“What? I’m just saying…” she replies.
Everleigh shakes her head, while Lexie gives off attack dog vibes.
“It’ll be fun. You’ll see,” Zoe replies, hugging me tightly.
“Has anyone ever told you that you're a real pain in the ass?” I tell her, a wide grin stretching my face, negating the sting of my words.
“Only Bodhi.” She giggles.
“Bodhi, of course,” I say dryly.